Warwick Hospital is appealing for the return of stolen computer software which is useless to the thieves but caused delays for patients undergoing treatment.

Officials have asked for the missing kit to be delivered or posted back to the Lakin Road site, warning the thieves that they have been captured on CCTV.

The plug-shaped kit, worth thousands of pounds, is used for cardiology patients.

It worthless to the thieves without other equipment left behind. The UK supplier has loaned the hospital a spare until the new part arrives.

The kit is used to monitor heart and blood readings and the walk-in theft last week caused a day's worth of delay for patients and staff.

A hospital spokesman said: "Patient and staff safety is always of paramount importance, but the theft of this recent piece of expensive equipment is hard to fathom, as it is of no use outside a hospital setting.

"Security has improved significantly since video cameras have been in use and three of the thieves have been caught on camera."

The spokesman added that all computers carried a security mark so anyone offered equipment should ensure it had been obtained legitimately.

Alan Hammerton, director of facilities, said: "We would ask our local community to work with the trust by being alert and drawing attention to any unusual activity linked to the hospital."